Cooperatives

Working together to make a better life

Cooperatives are businesses owned and managed by the people who use them. Unlike private industry, to become vested or gain ownership, members simply need to do business with their cooperative.

Supporting cooperative development has been a focus of South Dakota Farmers Union, which was established in our state a century ago for the very purpose of founding this type of organization. Cooperative education is key to Farmers Union educational programming, which reaches thousands of youth each year through school visits, day camps and leadership camp programs.

South Dakota Cooperatives operate in a variety of industries, including agriculture, electric, banking and telecommunications. Today over 80,000 South Dakotans are cooperative members.

By working together, we create a system that allows our members to prosper and successfully compete against large businesses.